Earthquakes

Front

What is a fault?

Back

A fault is a fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks of rock, which can cause earthquakes when the blocks move.

Front

What type of fault is caused by compression?

Back

A reverse fault is caused by compression, where the hanging wall moves up relative to the footwall.

Front

What type of fault is caused by tension?

Back

A normal fault is caused by tension, where the hanging wall moves down relative to the footwall.

Front

What are surface waves?

Back

Surface waves are seismic waves that travel along the Earth's surface and are the slowest but cause the most damage during an earthquake.

Front

What is the epicenter of an earthquake?

Back

The epicenter is the point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus of an earthquake.

Front

What is the focus of an earthquake?

Back

The focus is the point within the Earth where an earthquake originates.

Front

What are P waves?

Back

P waves, or primary waves, are the fastest seismic waves that travel through solids and liquids.

Front

What are S waves?

Back

S waves, or secondary waves, are seismic waves that are slower than P waves and can only travel through solids.

Front

What is a mid-ocean ridge?

Back

A mid-ocean ridge is an underwater mountain range formed by plate tectonics, where new oceanic crust is created.

Front

What is a volcano?

Back

A volcano is an opening in the Earth's crust through which molten lava, ash, and gases are ejected.